Lacy 'rejuvenated' after curfew issue

The Green Bay Packers are giving Eddie Lacy a clean slate.

While Packers coach Mike McCarthy shied away from commenting on reports of the third-year running back missing curfew prior to last Thursday’s 27-23 win in Detroit, McCarthy said everyone is moving forward after Lacy touched the ball only six times in 19 offensive snaps against the Lions.

NFL sources confirmed Lacy and rookie running back Alonzo Harris missed the team’s curfew on Wednesday night, resulting in Lacy’s demotion and Harris’ release the morning of the game. It was the most recent setback in what Lacy previously admitted has been a rollercoaster season.

“I think Eddie’s been rejuvenated. His work was good today,” McCarthy said. “I look for him to have a very good week of practice and look for him to be productive Sunday. We’re looking for what’s in front of us. We talk about what’s behind us way too much. We’re really focused on today and beating the Cowboys. That’s what I want everybody to think about, talk about. That’s where we’re looking forward to.”

Despite lingering questions about his conditioning, Lacy appeared to turn a corner with back-to-back 100-yard rushing performances against Minnesota and Chicago. When asked why veteran James Starks started over Lacy against the Lions, McCarthy said after the game that “Eddie didn’t have a great week.”

Lacy, who amassed 3,001 total yards in his first two NFL seasons, is on pace for a little more than 700 rushing yards this season and already fumbled a career-high four times on 127 attempts. When asked about the demotion after the game, Lacy said he didn’t know what his role would be going forward.

McCarthy was asked the same question Tuesday afternoon and suggested the 25-year-old running back will get his opportunity to regain playing time with Starks and rookie John Crockett, Harris’ replacement, also in the backfield mix.

“Everything Eddie wants to accomplish is right there in front of him,” McCarthy said. “That’s what we’re focusing on today. Everything’s in front of him. If Eddie or any other player wants to jump up and grab that opportunity, it’s right in front of him.”

The Packers filled Crockett's vacated spot on the practice squad Monday when they signed former Lafayette College (Pa.) running back Ross Scheuerman, according to his agent Brian McLaughlin. The move came after the Packers worked out former Wisconsin standout Montee Ball on Friday.

whodkiew@pressgazettemedia.com and follow him on Twitter @WesHod.